EU Aviation: Non-CO2 Expert Network

Challenge

Although responsible for around 2% of human-made CO2 emissions, aviation’s non-CO2 emissions - which includes the release of water vapour, soot, carbon monoxide and nitrogen and sulphur oxides at high altitude - must also be accounted for to determine the sector’s total impact on the climate.

Despite the industry's recent progress in building a strong understanding of the effects of non-CO2 emissions, it has lacked a co-ordinated, science-driven approach to informing policy desions and cross-sector responses.

Approach

Ricardo, in collaboration with ENVISA, has been appointed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to support a new technical community to explore the issue.

The Aviation Non-CO2 Expert Network (ANCEN) will bring together around 45 representatives from industry – airlines, air navigation service providers, manufacturers, fuel producers – alongside specialists from government, regulation and academia. 

Ricardo’s team will coordinate the Network’s activities, monitor progress against objectives, and provide communication with the aviation sector.

Results

The initiative is funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe programme and is part of a package of ‘Climate, Energy and Mobility’ research actions that will collectively contribute to the EU’s objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

The group's work will help form a common understanding on the climate science; establish an industry-wide consensus on timeframes for action; and contribute towards the design of viable, evidence-based policy responses and mitigation measures.